Dozens Flock To Newton Pharmacy Walk-In J&J Vaccine Clinic

NEWTON, MA — Just days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after a brief pause, a line wrapped down the block Monday in Newton Centre as people waited for the one-shot vaccine at a walk-in clinic.

Union Pharmacy, a local, independent pharmacy, decided to host the walk-in clinic because of the demand.

"People were constantly calling us, asking if we had J&J, even though there was this pause, and when it would return," Union Pharmacy manager Dr. Ripsime Guyumdzhyan said. "We realized we had all this [vaccine] sitting in the fridge and people needed it. "

Last week, the state health department put a pause on administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until further guidance from the CDC and FDA was available. Federal agencies reviewed six instances of rare blood clots that happened among women under 50 within two weeks of receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Health officials said the benefits of getting vaccinated outweigh the slim risk of getting a blood clot from the Johnson & Johnson vaccination, and gave the all clear Friday.

Union Pharmacy announced on Facebook it was hosting a first-come, first served walk-up clinic for anyone interested in getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

And it was popular. They hosted a second clinic Sunday and a third on Monday.

Guyumdzhyan said people drove two hours to stand in line and get the vaccine.

"It's exciting to know our clinic changes people's lives," she said. "So many people were thankful we had that walk in clinic."

Guyumdzhyan said the pharmacy went through nearly 100 doses of J&J Monday alone, between a combination of scheduled appointments and the evening walk-up clinic.

With such interest, she said she expects the clinic will host similar walk-up vaccine clinics in the future, depending on their supply of the vaccine. She said they're expecting another shipment of Moderna as well.

CDC director and Newton resident Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday she expects appointment-less clinics will increase in the days and weeks and stressed the importance of getting a vaccine.

In Massachusetts, of the 5.7 million people given vaccines on Tuesday, 204,851 people were given the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to state data.

Massachusetts is expected to receive about 4,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson shots this week, officials said Monday.

"We have one goal in mind," Guyumdzhyan said. "To help our community, and help end COVID-19, and make sure everyone is enjoying their lives again."

Last week, the state health department recommended a pause in administering Johnson & Johnson vaccine until further guidance from the CDC and FDA was available. Federal agencies reviewed six instances of rare blood clots that happened among women under 50 within two weeks of receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.